l'An mil was composed in 1897. It is a big work (ca 35 mins.), a symphonic poem with large chorus and (a brief) baritone solo in part 2.

Very detailed program:

Miserere mei - the people's fear for the year 1000. Will Satan appear?Fête des fous et de l'âne - a parody / blasphemy of a religious service. "...those who took the threats of the Apocalyps as purely symbolic, celebrated the Feast of fools and the ass..."Te Deum laudamus...:the reassured crowds kneel in prayer. The Te Deum bursts forth in the surprise of the unhoped -for dawn.

Very nice - the first and last movements are very lyrical, Franckiste, aiming for the grandiose. The second movement is mostly fast, almost good humoured - made me even think of Honegger's Jeanne d'Arc ( the proces scene). This could appeal, I guess, to those who love Franck, ofcourse, Gounod, Massenet,or even Debussy's Sébastien . Elgar?

Note please, this is volume two, which is superior imo, to volume one. The instrumental accompaniment is far more discreet here, than on volume one.

Edit: I find that Van Nevel recording to be really excellent. One of his best.

Hi HIPster - I own about a half dozen CDs of Dufay, including the one added above (Motets, V. 1 w/ Quadrivium) - assume that is what you mean above - will take a look at V. 2 and also need to re-listen to the one I already own - thanks. Dave

Continuing my listening this afternoon to Renaissance Music, especially the masses based on the Cantus Firmus melody L'homme armé - this apparently was a popular 'song' of the times and was used in about 40 masses from my reading:

Hi SanAntone - the book was first published in 1966 (and reprinted in 1986, but not really a 2nd edition); the author is Richard L. Crocker, born in 1927 and still alive (check the link for more detail, if interested). The book is well written w/ a LOT of detail on early music (believe the author's specialty) - there is a lot on theory, musical evolution, sheet music examples, etc. - I scanned this material quickly (really hard for me to understand - not my training or inherent aural skills); concentrates on the major composers of their times, again well done - I have the paperback and the printing is small and not easy to read; I'm looking at the book on my iPad (a very easy read and a cheaper Kindle option). The book is highly rated on Amazon (except for a 2* commenter who probably was overwhelmed by the musical detail and theory) - I would likely do a 4* rating w/ the reservation that some knowledge of music annotation and theory would help. Dave

Interesting because my reaction to Marcon's Bach is quite similar to yours. Johanssen however I find more rewarding, even if his style is somewhat restrained. Try the triosonatas and the CD: Der junge Bach played on the Schnitger organ in Cappel.

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites...

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If you’ve got a T-shirt with bloodstains all over it, maybe laundry isn’t your biggest problem right now. --Jerry Seinfeld

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites...

With around 50 versions on my shelves (excluding arrangements for chamber ensemble) I find it increasingly difficult to assess which ones are my favorites, but I would roughly put him in the upper third.

Considering the number of opuses Koechlin wrote during his very long life, it stands to reason that this set represents only a very partial account of his piano and chamber works. But, incomplete as it is, it’s still a fascinating and indispensable compendium. I should receive the set of orchestral works soon. I can’t wait!